Uses for Peppermint Oil

By Ava Fails

Peppermint oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, as well as naturally anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. These uses make peppermint oil an essential addition to your first aid kit or medicine cabinet.

Headaches

Apply several small dabs of peppermint oil to your forehead, temples and base of your neck. The oil will gently soothe your headache and it will soon fade away.

Bad Breath

Digestive Problems

Peppermint oil helps with digestive problems from the start of the digestive tract to the end. It reduces stomach acid, relieves cramping, soothes heartburn and reduces diarrhea, flatulence and nausea.

Staying Cool

Prepare a peppermint oil spray by mixing ten drops of oil to two ounces of water in a spray bottle. Apply as needed to remain cool in hot temperatures. Your peppermint oil spray also doubles as an insect repellent.

Ant and Mouse Repellant

Ants and mice absolutely cannot tolerate peppermint oil. Place a few drops on cotton balls and scatter them around the house where pests have been frequenting. The ants and mice will simply leave.

Back and Joint Pain

Apply one to two drops of peppermint oil to your lower back or joints to relieve pain. This will naturally ease aches and pains with its cold, yet hot, sensation.